Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

One advantage of seeking care at the University of Chicago is that our specialists understand the intricate, yet subtle differences between multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases -- such as Sjögren's syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and lupus -- that can exhibit similar warning signs and symptoms. They have the experience and depth of knowledge to more accurately diagnose multiple sclerosis, which is a key factor in better symptom management and medical outcomes.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

There is no one medical test or a set of physical findings that conclusively diagnose multiple sclerosis. Our physicians use a variety of tools to determine whether an individual has MS or another, similar neurological condition. These tools may include:

Medical history

A neurological exam

Evoked potential (EP) tests that measure electrical activity of the brain in response to stimuli

A cerebral spinal fluid analysis, which looks for chemical abnormalities associated with MS

Blood tests

An optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, which examines the optic nerve and retinal tissue at the back of the eye. This non-invasive scan is being tested as a "bio-marker" for asymptomatic patients who are at high-risk for developing multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders. OCT scans also measure the progression of MS in previously diagnosed patients.